SHAFAQNA – Cyclists from a Muslim Youth Association have raised thousands for charity by cycling from Paris to Morden.

The ten amateur cyclists from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Cycle Club taking part in Ride4Peace 2015 managed to raise more than £3,600 for the British Red Cross.

They started their 300 mile journey on Thursday, September, 10, cycling through Amien, Calais, Dover and Gillingham before arriving back in Morden, where a reception was held for them at the Baitul Futuh Mosque on Sunday, September 13.

As well as raising money for the British Red Cross, Ride4Peace aims to spread the message that Islam is a religion of peace, promoting love, tolerance, justice and equality.

Spokesman for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association, Jamal Akbar, said one of the reasons the team had picked Paris to cycle to was as a show of peace following the Charlie Hebdo shootings in January this year.

Mr Akbar said: “They were concerned with how the public would react to a group of Muslims cycling through the countryside because of what happened. But the reception they have received has been fantastic.

“People were really supportive, hooting their horns and cheering them along.

“It shows that the majority of people just want to work together for peace and harmony.”

Chairman of the Ahmadi Cycling Club, Dr Hammad Khan, said: “We have a fantastic group of boys who are incredibly enthusiastic about the chance to make a real difference with this charity ride.

“They’ve been training hard and want to raise as much money as possible for the amazing work of the British Red Cross.

“The team also wants to spread the true message of Islam which is the message of peace and service to humanity, which is integral to every Muslim’s life and faith.”

Ride4Peace is part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association’s Mercy for Mankind series of charity challenges, which has so far raised more than £2 million for British charities.